Classes
PHOT 120 3 units
Introduction to Photography
3 hours lecture; 54 hours total
This non-darkroom, lecture/demonstration course is designed
to introduce the student to basic concepts of photography
and to improve upon technical skills in the operation
of both digital and film cameras. Emphasis is placed on
developing an understanding of design, composition, and
creative vision. The course will explore the many applications
of photography, career possibilities, and it’s impact as
a major communication force.
CSU, UC
PHOT 121 3 units
Basic Lab Photography
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
This beginning course in laboratory photography is designed
to teach the student basic skills in black & white printing,
both digital and traditional. This course provides guidance
in film processing, use of laboratory equipment and chemicals,
traditional darkroom, digital lab processing/printing,
and presentation techniques.
Recommended Preparation: PHOT 120
CSU, UC
PHOT 122 3 units
Intermediate Photography
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
Podcasting, demonstrations and hands-on experimentation providing technical skills necessary for refining camera operations, exposure, film development, printing and presentation. Class emphasis will be on developing image content via a small body of work. A brief survey of the history of photography will be integrated with discussions and illustrations of contemporary practice and criticism
Recommended Preparation: PHOT 121
PHOT 123 3 units
Advanced Photography
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
Advanced lab and camera techniques in black and white
photography. Infrared photography, high contrast films,
portable and studio flash, medium and large format cameras,
basic photographic chemistry and introduction to the
zone system.
Recommended Preparation: PHOT 122
CSU
PHOT 130 3 units
Documentary Photography
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
Photographing for reproduction in newspapers and magazines.
History of photojournalism and contemporary trends
in the field. Freelancing and use of stock agencies are also
discussed. Wide variety of shooting situations and assignments.
Guest speakers and field trips.
Prerequisite: PHOT 120
CSU
PHOT 150 3 units
Beginning Digital Photography
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 180 hours total
This introductory course acquaints the student with methods
of digital imaging commonly used by photographers. The
emphasis is on retouching and adjusting photos for reproduction, web site application and high quality print output.
Adobe Photoshop software is an industry standard and the
primary tool for this course. Additionally, students will learn
techniques of scanning, file selection, color calibration and
various output options that will enhance their photographic
capabilities. Repeatable for credit one time.
Prerequisite: PHOT 120
CSU
PHOT 151 3 units
Intermediate Digital Photography
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
This course is designed to teach more advanced skills with
Adobe Photoshop software as it applies to photographic
media. This course builds on the basic skills learned in
PHOT 150. In this course the student will acquire mastery of
working with 16-bit and camera RAW files, color management,
color correction through level and curve adjustment,
advanced automation features, compositing, masks and
channels, use of the pen/path tool and high quality print
output. Repeatable for credit one time.
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Recommended Preparation: PHOT 150
CSU
PHOT 152
Advanced Digital Imaging
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
PHOT 152 continues to refine and extend the skills of photographic seeing by exploring the role of the computer in personal studio practice as well as in contemporary culture.
Prerequisites: PHOT 120
Recommended preparation: PHOT 151
PHOT 153a
Apple Aperture
1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab; 54 hours total
This course explores Aperture's photo-editing, image-retouching, proofing, publishing, and archiving features and prepares students for the option Apple Pro exam for industry certification.
PHOT 153b
Adobe Lightroom
1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab; 54 hours total
This course provides the basics of Adobe Lightroom. Topics include techniques to manage, adjust, and present large volumes of digital photographs. Prepares student for optional Adobe Certified Expert exam for industry certification.
PHOT 155
The Digital Fine Print
1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab; 54 hours total
This course is an exploration of the process of consistently producing excellent digital prints. Students will explore the factors to produce high-quality, digital, archival, exhibition quality fine art prints.
PHOT 180
History of Photography
3 hours lecture; 54 hours total
This course traces the history of still photography from the earliest investigations of the camera obscura to 21st Century electronic imaging. Emphasis will be on photography as social force and artistic practice. Required for photography majors.
PHOT 181
Contemporary Issues in Photography
3 hours lecture; 54 hours total
This course will focus on contemporary trends in post-World War II photography. The diversity of photographic practice, both digital and traditional methods, will be explored as well as photography's role in modern and postmodern society.
PHOT 199 1 - 3 units
Independent Study in Photography
3 - 9 hours lab; 54 - 162 hours total
A study option that allows students to investigate a specialized
area of photography or refine specific skills. Project may
assume one of three forms: 1) research paper, 2) research
paper and example work, 3) specific photographic work and
an exhibition of the results.
CSU
PHOT 240 3 units
Experimental Techniques
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
Explores various processes of image production in photography.
Silver, non-silver, black and white and color imaging
techniques are covered. Students independently select,
research and explore interest areas then share results with
entire group. Emphasis is on non-traditional image making
processes and individual experimentation.
Prerequisite: PHOT 120
Recommended preparation: PHOT 121
CSU
PHOT 250 3 units
Portrait Photography
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
A course designed to familiarize students with fundamentals
of portrait photography. Topics include commonly used
films and materials, available and location lighting, studio
lighting, individual and group portraitures, fashion photography.
Student must provide 35mm camera. Training on
professional medium format cameras in studio situations.
Field trip required.
Prerequisite: PHOT 120
Recommended Preparation: PHOT 121 or 150
CSU
PHOT 260 4 units
Product and Advertising Photography
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 108 hours total
An advanced course in successful product and advertising
materials and equipment, studio and location lighting, organizational and planning techniques, layout/design, use
of professional labs, and career possibilities. Assignments
include food, fashion, glassware, architecture, large and
small products. Student provides 35mm camera. Training
on professional studio cameras.
Prerequisite: PHOT 120
Recommended Preparation: PHOT 121, PHOT 150
CSU
PHOT 280 3 units
Professional Portfolio
2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab; 108 hours total
An advanced photography course to design and develop a
professional portfolio. Emphasis will be on commercial and
fine art portfolios. Studio operation, gallery exhibition and
business practices are covered.
Recommended Preparation: PHOT 122, PHOT 151
CSU
PHOT 290
Napa Valley Grid Project
1 hour lecture; 36 total
The goal of the Napa Valley Grid Project is to systematically document the Napa Valley environs, including the variety of land forms, architecture, people, neighborhoods, industrial sites, waterways and parks. Digital or traditional as well and any camera format welcomed. A project website, DVD and exhibitions will chart the progress of this long-term project.
PHOT 298 1 - 3 units
Selected Topics in Photography
3 - 9 hours lab; 54 - 162 hours total
Topics in photography not covered by regular catalog offerings.
Course content and unit credit to be determined in
relation to community/student needs and available staff. May
be offered as a seminar, lecture, or lecture/lab class.
CSU
PHOT 300 1 unit
The Expressive Print
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 6 weeks; 36 hours total
This course is a hands-on exploration of the process of
producing expressive black and white prints. The student
will learn the affective qualities in fine printing, specialized
darkroom techniques and archival processing. Equipment
selection, the evolution of photographic papers and developing
chemistry will also be covered. Students will propose
and produce a black and white portfolio project.
Prerequisite: PHOT 123
PHOT 301 1 unit
Location Lighting for Portraiture
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 6 weeks; 36 hours total
A lecture/demonstration and field laboratory course designed
for advanced photography students who want to
learn practical techniques of location lighting. Course covers
choice of camera equipment, films, filters and portable
lighting equipment. There will be a number of lighting
demonstrations both on and off campus. Assignments will
reflect real photographic working situations and practical
lighting solutions.
Prerequisite: PHOT 121
PHOT 302 1 unit
Visual Literacy for Photographers
3 hours lecture; 6 weeks; 18 hours total
Learning to see creatively is the first step toward taking better
photographs. This course offers exercises and field trips to
teach perception, photographic interpretation and personal
expression. Frequent critiques of student work. Useful for any
photographer or artist. Student must provide camera and
commercial processing of film.
Prerequisite: PHOT 120
PHOT 303 1 unit
Zone System Workshop
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 6 weeks; 36 hours total
A lecture/laboratory course designed for more advanced
photography students who wish to learn the Ansel Adams
Zone System. The course provides students with instruction,
assignments and methodology for establishing a personal
exposure, developing and printing calibration. Students will
become familiar with film and developer selection, testing,
time-temperature development techniques and sensitometry
as applied to making properly exposed and developed
negatives.
Prerequisite: PHOT 121
